Eating difficulties are common after head and neck cancer treatment. At a recent support group session I joined, we talked about something that resonated with many - finding lunch options for work when sandwiches just don’t work anymore. Many people find that sandwiches, once a go-to staple, become challenging to eat after treatment.
Some common nutrition hurdles include dry mouth, changes in taste, soreness, difficulty swallowing, and being more sensitive to certain textures or temperatures. When you're facing these kinds of changes, it's totally understandable that finding foods that are both nutritious and easy to eat can feel really tough!
Everyone's situation is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. It's important to focus on what you need rather than comparing your progress to others. Before we explore some ideas, remember to follow any guidance from your speech and language therapist, if you have one. They understand your specific needs and can give advice that keeps you safe and more comfortable while eating.
Within the guidance you've been given, trust your instincts about what feels manageable and appealing. Take things at your own pace and be patient with yourself as you try out different options. Feel free to tweak things like temperature, moisture level, and seasoning to suit your needs.
Keeping your mouth moist and having a drink handy during meals can make a big difference. It can help food go down easier, improve how things taste, and make eating more enjoyable overall. If you'd like more tips on dealing with dry mouth and other side effects, check out my guide here. It's packed with practical advice to help make eating a bit easier.
Rethinking Sandwiches
Sandwiches can be more challenging, but they might not be off the menu entirely. Before giving up on bread, try these adjustments:
Remove the crusts
Experiment with different bread types like milk bread or Danish loaf, which many find lighter and easier to manage
Consider toasting your bread. Interestingly, some people find lightly toasted bread easier to manage as it's less doughy
Add moisture to fillings (creamy avocado, slices of steamed beetroot, cucumber (remove the skin if you need to), finely grated carrot)
Use soft spreads (smooth cream cheese, hummus, yoghurt dressing, pate, smooth nut or seed butter e.g. tahini)
Choose soft fillings (egg mayo, tuna mayo, smooth hummus)
Dip your sandwich in soup (cup-a-soup or miso soup can be made if you have access to a kettle, or soup in a thermos flask)
Alternatives to Bread
Try these instead of traditional bread:
Soft tortilla wraps
Lettuce leaves make a great wrap!
Blinis
Scotch pancakes
Potato cakes
Waffles - one of my clients bought a waffle maker and says it was a brilliant purchase!
Brioche
Sweet potato toasts or wedges
Hash browns or rostis
Ryvita crackerbreads - one of my favourite recommendations. They provide the canvas of a ‘crispbread’ but have a wafer consistency. With a soft topping, they have been a game changer for many of my clients
Pancakes or crepes
Mashed potato, sweet potato, or root vegetables
Beyond Sandwiches: Other Lunch Ideas
Let's explore some lunch options that go beyond the traditional sandwich. These alternatives are not only convenient but may also be easier to manage and enjoy.
It doesn’t need to be a traditional ‘lunch’
Cereal: many of my clients have found that soaking cereals in their preferred milk (e.g. overnight) makes them much easier to manage
Overnight oats: a soft, customisable option that's ready when you are
Savoury rice porridge: add a boiled egg or tofu, plus olive oil for extra nourishing calories
Nutrient-packed smoothies: blend fruits and vegetables with Greek yoghurt or silken tofu for a protein rich, sippable meal. Spinach is a brilliant veg to add to smoothies as it adds extra nutrients without significantly affecting the taste. You can add protein powder if needed. Tip: Smoothies typically thicken on standing, so if they are your go-to, you might want to consider investing in a portable blender. My husband has this one by NINJA and he loves it!
Soft fruit options: Try mashed banana, stewed fruits, or soft canned fruits with Greek or full-fat yoghurt, topped with smooth peanut or almond butter for added protein and beneficial fats.
Egg-based dishes
Eggs are incredibly nutritious, containing most essential nutrients with the exception of vitamin C! They're an excellent choice for a protein-rich meal.
Egg muffins, frittata, or quiche (can be crustless): Cook vegetables to your preferred softness and chop finely if needed. These can be eaten at room temperature and are easy to portion
Savoury egg custard
If you’re at home: try a ‘fridge raid’ omelette or scrambled eggs. Add soft, cooked onion or mushrooms
Meal ideas
Hearty soups and broths: prepare a batch of protein-rich soup such as chicken, lentil, or a combination of both. Creamy mushroom or vegetable soups can also be nutritious options. Pour into a thermos to keep warm until lunchtime. For convenience, you can also opt for shop-bought fresh soups or tinned soups, which can be easily heated and carried in a thermos.
Dahl: a soft, protein-packed lentil dish that's both comforting and nutritious. Adapt the spice level and consistency to suit your needs
Chilled pasta salad: use small pasta shapes and mix with a creamy dressing, soft vegetables, and flaked tuna, salmon, or chicken thigh. Tip: Legume-based pasta (e.g. red lentil) is higher in protein than standard pasta.
Avocado boats: mash ripe avocado and fill with cottage cheese or hummus for a no-cook, nutrient-dense option.
Cauliflower or broccoli cheese: making this at home lets you tweak it just how you like it, but grabbing one from the shop is totally fine if you're short on time or energy. Go with whatever works best for you on any given day.
Baked potato or sweet potato: top these with soft fillings like egg mayo, tuna mayo, cottage cheese, or hummus. If you can manage the skin, great - it's got lots of good stuff in it. But if it's tricky to eat, don't worry about peeling it off.
Soft, creamy pastas: dishes like macaroni cheese can be good options. Make it at home or buy it ready-made - there are even canned versions for super-quick meals. You might need to tweak the texture a bit, like cooking the pasta extra soft or adding more sauce. Homemade gives you more control, but shop bought can be a real time-saver.
Scrambled tofu: if you're looking for a plant-based option, this is a great one. It's packed with protein, and you can season it however you like. Try adding some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour and extra B vitamins.
Thinking Outside the (Lunch) Box
Lunch doesn't have to look like a traditional meal. Sometimes, a collection of small, nutrient-dense bites can be just as satisfying. Mix and match these options to create a meal that works for you:
Soft cheese cubes, cashew nut cheese, boiled egg, tofu, or hummus with seedless grapes, canned peaches, soft-cooked roasted vegetables, avocado and sweet potato wedges or blinis or pitta strips
Greek yoghurt with mashed banana and smooth peanut or almond butter
Silken tofu pudding with pureed fruit
Adapting Meals for Head and Neck Cancer Recovery
Feel free to combine any of these items in a way that appeals to you and suits your needs. Don't be afraid to get creative – the best meal is one you enjoy and can eat comfortably.
I hope these ideas help to inspire you to create lunches that are nutritious and tailored to your specific needs. If you have any questions or need personalised advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Email: info@thecancerdietitian.com
Telephone: 020 8064 2865
Appointments: book here
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalised nutrition, dietetic, or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for personalised advice and guidance regarding your specific medical condition or dietary needs.
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